Tech companies are well known for providing all the lollies and ball pits their employees can handle - all in the name of promoting creativity and a childlike sense of discovery.

But Microsoft have taken it to a whole new level. Their employees' latest perk? Treehouses.

The childhood staple isn't just for playtime - the wooden structures are intended for meetings and collaboration. And yes, there is wifi.

Photo: Microsoft

But the treehouses aren't about scoring cool points: the idea is based on scientific research showing that being in nature boosts wellbeing, creativity and focus.

The company enlisted Pete Nelson of the Treehouse Masters TV show to help design their whimsical new meeting rooms.

Treehouse number one is three and a half metres off the ground and, according to the Microsoft blog post announcing the innovation, "features charred-wood walls and a soaring ceiling with a round skylight that lets in just a bubble of blue. It's more Hobbit than HQ, with cinnamon-coloured shingles and a gingerbread-house feel."

Photo: Microsoft

Sounds delicious.

The company has an advantage over others in that it has a vast 202-hectare 'campus' in a suburb of Seattle, which has woodland, wildlife and plenty of green space for employees to enjoy.

And the treehouses are changing the way people work. Bret Boulter, who works in real estate and facilities for Microsoft and who headed up the treehouse project, says, "A lot of people are like, ‘Where’s the AV?’ And I’m like, it’s a treehouse. We wanted people to intentionally unplug, because they are sitting in front of screens all day long.”

He added, "We want to bring more human touch back into the workplace. For people to be the most productive and create the best products, we want them to have that opportunity for collaboration. Any employee can take their device outside, have a meeting — even in a treehouse — and be just as productive."